SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Controlling the pace of play for the majority of the match, the FGCU men’s soccer team opened its Atlantic Sun two-game weekend trip with a 1-0 victory over USC Upstate on Friday evening in Spartanburg, S.C. Freshman forward Xavier Silva (Boca Raton, Fla. North/Broward Preparatory School) supplied the decisive strike in the 83rd minute of play off an assist from junior midfielder Jeremy Vollmer (Carmel, Ind./Westfield HS).

“I was satisfied with our ability to control the pace of play and maintain possession this evening,” said fifth-year head coach Bob Butehorn. “I am very happy with the contribution from our bench tonight and I feel that they really stepped in with a solid effort. As a group I feel that we are pleased with the result, but we have another tough contest at ETSU on Sunday and we have to come out ready to compete once again.”

The Eagles improved to 6-3-2 on the season, a mark that includes a 3-0 record in A-Sun play. The Green and Blue also extended their conference winning streak to 12 games, as well as, their league road winning streak to six contests. The Spartans moved to 5-6-1 (2-2-1 A-Sun) on the season with the loss.

FGCU was able to break the deadlock at the 82:57 mark when a balled played in from the right side by Vollmer was sent to the back of the net on a header from Silva. It was Silva’s second collegiate goal and first in A-Sun play, as well as, Vollmer’s fourth career assist and first point of the season.

Following a scoreless opening period, the teams headed to the intermission with the Eagles holding a 5-1 lead in the shot column and Upstate controlling the corner kick battle at 2-1.

Redshirt senior goalkeeper Adam Glick (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley HS) was forced to make is first and only save of the contest in the 38th minute of play.

As the second half resumed the Eagles picked up their pace of play, outshooting the Spartans 12-1 over the final 45 minutes. The Green and Blue also took over the corner kick lead, holding a 4-1 advantage in the second frame.

The Eagles sent six shots on goal in the second period, with Upstate keeper Jason McCabe sending away five attempts at the net. The lone goal from Silva, proved to be the game-winner as the Eagles held the Spartans without a shot over the final seven minutes.

For the game, the Green and Blue held a commanding 17-2 advantage in shots and slim 5-3 edge in corners.

With one save in the contest, Glick picked up his 32nd career victory and 19th career shutout in net. The Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award finalist now sits in sole possession of third place on the A-Sun’s career shutout list, just four away from Jeff Cassar of FIU (1992-95).

FGCU returns to the pitch on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. for contest in Johnson City, Tenn. with reigning A-Sun tournament champion ETSU. The Bucs enter the contest with a 7-4-2 overall and a 1-3-1 A-Sun mark. ETSU played to a scoreless draw with visiting Stetson on Friday evening. Live stats, Twitter updates (@FGCUMensSoccer and @FGCUEagles), results and recaps from the event will be available at www.FGCUAthletics.com.

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